Cliched at times but has a real heart to it.

sam jackson

Nice little film about chess.

It was a really good movie, as the father would beg his son to play, and he won many friends for his tourment of chess

I'm a USCF-rated expert, used to have a two-time US Champion and GM as my coach, and have played tournament chess for over half of my life. (I'm 24) I guess this movie functions as a ridiculous comedy that is "so bad it's good", but even then, the unintentional laughs are too few and far between. This film was made by people who literally knew nothing of chess, and had zero interest in learning about, or depicting it accurately. In the wake of that, it's just hilariously stupid crap.

Who ever thought chess could be so fun?

A riveting look at the suspenseful world of chess. No, but really. It's pretty good.

If you have played chess or like playing it you must watch this movie. Movies having geniuses always make for a good watch (e.g. Good Will Hunting, A Beautiful Mind). The movie also very nicely touches the problems of fame, parent pressures, etc.

Well made and acted 90s drama. The film is predictable, but good.

Exhilarating film encompassing multiple fascinating studies of obsession, ethical behaviour and blind brilliance in a particular field -- wrapped up in a fascinating study of both the appeal of chess, and how the various levels of play reflect elements of humanity. Performances are superb all round, especially Mantegna, Allen and Kingsley, and Pomeranc's completely natural, guiless performance grounds everything around him. Climactic championship match will have you on the edge of your seat!